Jiaxing Train Station ingeniously transformed the "fifth facade" (rooftop) into an "ecological fifth facade" by using solar glass materials. This not only highlighted the aesthetic function of the roof but also served as a bold exploration and experimentation with clean, green photovoltaic technology on building rooftops. The project exemplifies the "green building concept," setting an essential precedent for the construction and transformation of public buildings, including high-speed railway stations, airports, exhibition centers, and shopping malls.

Leveraging the inherent technical and application advantages of cadmium telluride thin-film solar cells, TERLI has strategically positioned itself in the BIPV sector. To date, we have successfully developed eight major categories and over 50 types of BIPV building materials, including solar curtain walls, solar roof tiles, solar bricks and solar glass railings. These products are adaptable to various building applications, providing true alternatives to traditional construction materials and effectively reducing building energy consumption and carbon emissions.

In this competition, the solar residences of the eight university teams showcased innovative applications of cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) power generation building materials. Various architectural photovoltaic integrated applications, such as solar glass sunrooms, solar curtain walls, solar glass railings, solar skylights, solar sunshades, solar roof tiles and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) integrated roofs, were observed in these solar homes. Each team demonstrated profound wisdom by designing solar residences that are both functional and comfortable, presenting a fresh perspective on solar energy technology.

Solar roof tiles are made of cadmium telluride thin film or monocrystalline silicon that either overlay or replace the existing shingles on a roof. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. By relying on this method of energy as opposed to electricity, for example, homeowners will save money on monthly bills and eventually recoup their initial investments.

Turkey is “lagging” in its solar power capacity but could generate 120 GW – 45% of the country’s total electricity needs – through better solar rooftop utilization, said UK environmental think tank Ember in a recently published report. The report, penned by Ufuk Alparslan and Azem Yildirim, shows that $3.6 billion worth of subsidies, which paid for fossil fuel imports from September 2022 to August 2023, could be eliminated through better rooftop PV policies. The report said that “policies that promote the widespread use of rooftop solar power plants” in Turkey, particularly in homes, could “reduce the real cost of electricity in the country by reducing its dependence on imported fossil-fuel resources.”

Solar facades are a great solution, let alone energy generation, it provides plenty advantages: facade insulation, façade and balcony glazing, additional thermal properties, noise reduction (8-12 decibels of reduced traffic noise can be expected from balcony glazing). Solar facade modules can also be integrated to existing building facades, modernizing them and turning them energy efficient.

Due to the increase in electricity demand in Europe, solar power generation has certain advantages in various types of production of electrical energy. In response to Europe's old house renovation policy and traditional photovoltaic solar panels, we launched a new building material - cadmium telluride thin film solar photovoltaic glass. In the face of declining wind power generation and high electricity prices, we can add value to the European electricity market and reduce additional high electricity costs.

Why do buildings matter for clean energy transitions?

BRUSSELS, March 14, 2023 (Reuters) - Buildings across Europe could be renovated to cut emissions and save energy after the European Parliament on Tuesday approved a bill that aims to lower households' energy bills and wean EU countries off Russian gas faster.

"Soaring energy prices have put the focus on energy efficiency and energy saving measures. Improving the performance of Europe’s buildings will reduce bills and our dependence on energy imports," said Ciaran Cuffe, lead lawmaker on the rules.

According to the Commission buildings are responsible for around 40 percent of energy consumption and around a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. If houses are better insulated or modern heating systems are used, this can significantly reduce energy requirements.